In a move that could only be a response to (A) lagging poll numbers and (B) a constant barrage of attacks from the Corzine campaign, Forrester has bizarrely reversed his position on embryonic stem-cell research less than 2 weeks before the election.
More after the flip....
Today's
Newark Star-Ledger reports that GOP candidate Doug Forrester has suddenly reversed his position on embryonic stem-cell research. After spending the whole campaign lauding the virtues of adult stem-cell research, and coming out against Acting Governor Codey's plans for a State-funded Stem Cell Institute of New Jersey, Forrester apparently sees the writing on the wall.
A week after acknowledging his views on stem-cell research have "evolved," Republican gubernatorial candidate Doug Forrester yesterday strongly endorsed the science and did not rule out spending public money if the state could afford it.
"I've made my position very clear, that, full-speed ahead with embryonic and adult stem-cell research," Forrester said during a news conference on the front lawn of the home of a Republican committeeman in Paramus. "The ethical reservations have been surpassed by science. God bless the medical scientists."
<snip>
Forrester previously endorsed President Bush's 2001 position barring federal funding for research on embryonic stem cells except those extracted before the ban.
During a debate last week, Forrester signaled a shift in his position by praising the latest stem-cell research. The next day, Sylvester said his remarks represented "an evolution of his position."
Getting past the irony of his change of heart being labelled an "evolution" (as opposed to an intelligent design), the real reasons for his flip-flop are clear.
- The majority of NJ voters support embryonic stem-cell research, and public funding for it.
- The Corzine campaign has been hammering Forrester on this issue of late, especially after he apparently lied (or strategically omitted) his position on the issue in the most recent gubernatorial debate.
This, from Tom Moran, a conservative columnist in the Star-Ledger, on Forrester's position on stem-cells:
For the record, Doug Forrester opposes public funding for embryonic stem cell research, and Jon Corzine favors it.
It's a clear difference, but one that was lost in the mist during their televised debate this week.
Forrester was asked directly: Do you favor public funding for embryonic stem cell research? Not much wiggle room there.
Here is the answer he gave: "There are few things that are more exciting than stem cell research."
He then told how his daughter, Briana, suffered a serious brain injury and developed Hodgkins disease. Stem cell research, he said, could wind up helping her.
"We need to do it vigorously," he said. "We need to do it now."
So what gives?
The next day, Forrester was in full defensive crouch, refusing to answer questions. But his spokeswoman confirmed that he opposes any public funding for this research, no matter how much he gushed during the debate.
All politicians spin during a debate. But this one was over the top.
The honest answer to the question would have been "no." And he sure seemed to say "yes."
Even his allies don't trust him.
But his position on the morality of this research flips and flops.
The irony of all this, is that in a desperate last-minute attempt to move center and attract independent voters, Forrester may well lose the conservative support he desperately needs to win. After finally uniting NJ conservatives after they showed their displeasure with him in the GOP primaries, and despite his recent endorsement by a Pro-Choice Republican group, Forrester is making a last-ditch attempt for social progressives.
Update [2005-10-28 14:57:2 by JerseyBredFilly]:: Just thought I'd add this tasty little tidbit from the The Times-Leader: (NE PA)
"Obviously, it seems like Forrester's all over the place," said Marie Tasy, executive director for New Jersey Right to Life. "I remember during the primary he said he was against embryonic stem-cell research. There were no conditions. Then I heard, 'I'm against funding of it.' "
And NOW, he's saying he may even favor funding of it. So, that's 3 different positions on stem-cell research that we know of in a single campaign.
We talk a lot on this blog about whether Dems should move center, or keep soldiering on with purely progressive ideas and hope that we eventually win some converts. I've always been a "move center" proponent, but in seeing Forrester's desperate grab for voters who really aren't his to win, I am now changing my tune. For better or worse, I think you should stick to your guns if you honestly believe a certain way on an issue. (Unless, of course, that issue is an illegal war...but I digress)